Oil Change

[LadyDeath]

Do you change your oil yourself or pay to change it ? If you pay, how much does it cost?

Some people even charge up to $250 and more just to change oil and i find that price is ridiculous. Whereas there are many affordable places that only charge around $50-60.

 

[anthonemorris]

Its easy to change your own oil, once u not afraid to get jus a lil dirty. With my car the drain is front facing so my car drains on a downslope. Makes it easier. I don't even need to jack up my car which is awesome.
Used to pay my mechanic $40 to do it as I always bought my own oil and filter.

 

[BrotherHood]

I have only paid once to change oil. After seeing the process, I went about purchasing required tools. I now change oil myself.

Jack up the car. Put/use jack stands (it is safer).
17 socket with power handle to remove oil pan nut.
Let the oil drain into a bucket/bottle/can etc.
Unscrew and remove the oil filter. Be careful because it holds more oil than we think. Drain oil filter.
Replace oil pan nut. Tighten with power handle (my preference) or spanner. 17 spanner in my case.
Smear some oil around the top circumference on the new oil filter with some new engine oil. (acts as a gasket). Screw on new oil filter,
Remove engine cover and fill with new oil of choice. Keep checking engine oil dip stick so that you don't over fill.
Lower the car, remove jack and jack stands.

.....and your done.

 

[anthonemorris]

Depending on your car, the pan but may differ in size, also as an added measure engine flush can be used (your choice) to help get the grime out.

 

[LadyDeath]

My family changes our own oil as well. I think its a money saver because the same time you are waiting by a mechanic to get your oil change , you can basically do it yourself

 

[BrotherHood]

Lemme change your oil na?

 

[LadyDeath]

Sorry, my oil doesn't need replacing anytime soon LOL

 

[Sheppie]

Changing your oil yourself is easy one just has to be mindful that you don't want to over tighten your oil drain nut when you put it back as these are prone to threads stripping.

 

[Saxman642]

The only reason I don't change my oil myself is the hassle of disposing of the waste oil.

So to the self-oil changers, how DO you dispose of the waste oil? I'm actually overdue for an oil change.

 

[LadyDeath]

i was searching on the web for something like this and all the sites stated to recycle them by storing them in a container with a tight lid. After it is stored, carry it to a mechanic who might find use of it ..Also they stated you can carry them to recycling centers.
I don't think we have those options here

 

[nirtime]

The mechanics who change oil for my family both have the recycling drums at their places. They usually come home with the required oil and filter and change it for us.

Disposal of the oil is the only reason we choose not to do it ourselves anymore.

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Changing your oil yourself is easy one just has to be mindful that you don't want to over tighten your oil drain nut when you put it back as these are prone to threads stripping.

This is good advice!

 

[LadyDeath]

Oh well good option there! My neighbours throw the oil in the drain after they chang it, killing the little ecosystem. We have told them many times its not good for the environment but again, Trini Mentality

 

[nirtime]

Trinis simply don't care about what isnt immediately seen. When properly disposed off, old engine oil gets recyled.

A major problem with dealerships is that their maintenance people over fill the oil which is terrible for a modern engine with tight tolerance.
Thats something us DIY people also need to consider when changing our oil, being specific to fill the right amount.

 

[Mad racer]

Actually I am a mechanic by profession and also run a workshop now a day so their is no issue in changing oil of my vehicle because i done it well.

 

[nirtime]

Actually I am a mechanic by profession and also run a workshop now a day so their is no issue in changing oil of my vehicle because i done it well.

Do you have the recycling drums?

 

[The Dude]

Here is how I do my oil change
Drain oil into bucket ---> replace drain bolt ---> refill oil ---> empty old oil from bucket into empty bottle from new oil

My friend's dad is a truck mechanic so once every six months or so I will just let him take all the bottles of old oil I have give it to his dad. They have a barrel for old oil that is periodically picked up and properly disposed of. I'm sure if you ask your regular mechanic they could direct you where to take your old oil to. If you don't mind letting a few bottles pile up you can make the trip to dispose of your oil once a year or something to avoid the hassle.